Tax Relief May Expand

Would Help Elderly, Disabled, Veterans

FARMINGTON — The town will consider expanding property tax relief for residents who might find it difficult to pay increased taxes when the next local budget takes effect this year.

The expanded tax credits would be aimed at easing the burden on Farmington's elderly homeowners, disabled people and veterans.

``In my personal view, we have seen over the last decade large increases being driven largely by the education budget,'' said town council Chairman Bruce Chudwick.

Residents who would be helped by the expanded tax relief generally don't have children in the school system, he said.

``There was a consensus among the council to try to expand the base of property tax relief to our elderly, disabled and veterans,'' Chudwick said, ``to provide some property tax credits to them as we move into budget deliberations.''

The council last week set 5 percent as its target for a property tax increase in the 2004-05 budget.

A public hearing on the proposed new tax relief programs will be held at 7 p.m. on March 9 at town hall.

Elderly homeowners whose incomes meet eligibility requirements now can get up to a 50 percent property tax credit, depending on income.

The expanded tax relief program would increase the income limit for elderly homeowners by $1,000.

Under Farmington's current tax relief programs, elderly homeowners whose incomes are within a state limit for a property tax credit can add $5,000 toward their eligible income limit. So instead of the $32,300 state income limit, the town allows married elderly couples to earn up to $37,300 and still get property tax credits.

That income limit for elderly married couples would rise to $38,300 under the proposed expansion, Chudwick said.

For a single elderly person, the income limit would rise from $31,500 to $32,500.

Dan Costello, the town's finance director, said the number of residents who could be eligible for the expanded tax relief programs is not yet known.

The proposed expansion in tax relief for elderly people also would apply to totally disabled people with the same income limits.

Another type of town tax benefit currently available to veterans and their spouses would be increased as well. Under the current program, veterans who live in Farmington can get the assessed value of a home reduced by up to $1,000. The proposal would allow a veteran's property assessment to be reduced by up to $5,000, starting with the 2004-05 town budget, said Linda Arnold, town assessor.

To be eligible for this property tax exemption, veterans also must meet state income limits.